Tires may contribute nothing to the flying qualities of an airplane, but obviously they?re essential components when it comes to takeoffs and landings. A good preflight inspection includes a visual examination of the tires to check for proper inflation. As with a car tire, the correct amount of air pressure is critical to the safe operation and normal service life of an aircraft tire.
An underinflated aircraft tire, which bulges noticeably where the tire contacts the ground, creates significantly more friction with the surface than a properly inflated tire. This extra friction requires more power to overcome and puts unacceptable stress on the tire sidewalls and tread, causing premature wear and possibly even tire failure. Be sure to check for underinflation if the aircraft hasn?t been flown or serviced in a week or more. Aircraft tires tend to lose air when the aircraft sits for an extended period.
Although rare, it?s possible that a recently serviced aircraft tire could be over-inflated, which also stresses the tire structure. Overinflation is more difficult to detect than underinflation. Check for lack of any bulge where the tire touches the ground and, in general, an over-inflated appearance.
Consider adding a good-quality tire gauge to your flight bag so that you can confirm proper inflation as specified in the airplane flight manual, pilot?s operating handbook, or information manual. Note that nosewheel pressure may be a few pounds higher than the pressure in the main landing gear tires. If you find that one or more tires are underinflated, ask a line service worker if he has a portable, pressurized tank to add air to the tires. Be sure to give him the air pressure specifications before he fills the tires.